Lindor hits first Double-A homer

Francisco Lindor experienced one of those unforgettable baseball moments Thursday. It might not be much longer before those moments come in an Indians uniform.

The Indians' top prospect slugged his first Double-A homer and fell a triple shy of the cycle as Akron defeated Richmond, 5-1, on Thursday.

Lindor drove in three runs for the Aeros. After doubling to open the game, the 19-year-old shortstop took Taylor Rogers deep over the wall in right-center field with one out in the third inning.

"It was fun, running around the bases after I hit the home run," he said. "I got a good pitch and I drove it and I felt good. I knew it was gone as soon as I hit it."

Since being promoted to the Eastern League on July 16, Lindor has been on a tear, batting .441 with seven runs scored and six RBIs for the Aeros. The 2011 first-rounder has reached base safely in all nine games.

"I've been more disciplined, more consistent with my work," Lindor said. "That's the key that's going to help me. If you play professional baseball, it means you're doing something right. It's just a matter of learning how to be consistent with those things that you're doing right."

Lindor noted that one of the differences he's seen in the move up from the Class A Advanced Carolina League is the movement and spin on pitches coming at him. Luckily, it's something he's trained for since he was younger.

"My dad always taught me watch the spin of the ball and I think that has helped me out," he said. "I'm more focused on the spin of the ball and sometimes that helps me shut it down. When I see a spin that's not the pitch I'm looking for, I shut it down."

Lindor came to America with his father, Miguel, when he was 12 in an attempt to improve his chances of playing pro ball. A former semi-pro player in Puerto Rico, his father has been a tremendous influence on Lindor's career.

"He was the one who got me into baseball," Lindor said. "He's the one who taught me everything. Growing up my dad was the big influence, he still is. When I'm playing baseball, most of the time I'm playing because I want my dad to be proud of me."

Cedric Hunter was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for the Aeros.

Matt Packer earned his 10th win, allowing a run on six hits while fanning six over 6 1/3 innings.

Andrew Susac, the Giants' No. 15 prospect, hit a solo homer to account for the Flying Squirrels' offense.